Day 8

Today was supposed to be a rest day, but I as I posted earlier, it turned into a long run day. I won't lie - it was a struggle to actually do it. I was tired from being at work all day, full from supper and just overall wanted to lay on the couch. However, I knew that if I did that, I was only going to be failing myself.

So, I dragged my arse to the gym. Within the first 1/2 mile I had a stitch in my side. Lovely.

Thankfully, the "first" aid station was at the 1.12 mile mark, so I was able to swig some water, and then continue on my merry way on the treadmill to nowhere.

Next aid station was at 2.67 miles. The run "between" the two aid stations actually wasn't that bad. My right knee kind of had this weird tightness/pull to it, but nothing major. I found that if I changed my stride a bit, it helped.

However, the run between second and third aid station (4.53 mile mark) was brutal. I made it, but it was a huge struggle. However, I made it and realized I only had 1.5 miles to go! Only 12 minutes approximately!!

8 minutes later I was walking. My right leg had, what I term as, dead leg syndrome. It just didn't feel like a full extension. Not quite a numb feeling, but not quite "right". I walked for a minute, and then finished off the last 1/2 mile with no problems.

My right groin area was sore again, so I hit the mats and did some stretch and hit the area with the foam roller. There is nothing soft about that foam roller. In fact, I think it should be used as a torture device. That being said - it was effective. It seems to have really helped.

I keep thinking about what song I want to have playing when I cross the finish line in September. I really enjoy the song by Shakira (It's Time For Africa) as it talks about picking yourself up off the ground and continuing on.

Akon's One More Time song is good as well - it talks about what if this was your last moment and would you be proud of what you have done.

Maybe I'll make future blog posts about songs that have meaning or that I use while running. I try to have upbeat bpm songs to keep me moving - and so far it has worked.

A lengthy post this Day 8 one has been. Good thing tomorrow is a rest day.